Baltimore Museum Opens Exhibit Celebrating Reginald F. Lewis

This month, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture introduced a new exhibit called “TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis.”

It honours Reginald F. Lewis, who was the first African American to build a billion-dollar business. Lewis was the richest Black man in the 1980s. The exhibit shows his personal items, videos, and stories that inspire people.

Terri Lee Freeman, the museum’s president, said in a press release, “Reginald F. Lewis was a pioneer who changed things for Black business owners. This exhibit shows his great vision, hard work, and determination.”

Lewis died in 1993 but left a big impact. He made his company very successful after buying Beatrice International Foods in 1987 for $985 million. This made his company, TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc., a top global business in snacks, drinks, and grocery stores.

He also helped Black people get better access to money for businesses and encouraged them to become business owners and leaders.

The exhibit opened on February 7 with a special event attended by nearly 400 people, including Lewis’s wife, Loida Nicolas Lewis, and their daughter, Christina Lewis. “It’s very moving to see this exhibit,” said Loida. “I thank the museum for carefully honoring my husband’s legacy.”

The exhibit also had a big community event on February 8, attended by over 1,000 people. It included cultural performances, history talks, and food. There was also a chat session with Tarrus Richardson and Jeff Johnson.

“TITAN” is the 100th exhibit at the museum, which is also celebrating 20 years. It will stay open until April 2026, giving many people a chance to learn about and be inspired by Reginald F. Lewis’s life and work.